Youth Library and Recreation Center

In August 2010 the D.A.A.N. Foundation started a youth centre in the village of Hawala. Here we helped youth with their school work, worked on the overall capacity building of the youth, and enhanced their awareness of their role and responsibilities within the community as a child, youth and eventually an adult. Over time, we realized that some of the older youth were taking immense interest in the center and were coming on a regular basis. These youth were developing into responsible individuals and showing an interest in taking care of the center. So we decided to create a small library to engender a sense of ownership and pride for these youth and provide them with an education-oriented atmosphere. It is our hope that the library will make our center more sustainable and greatly benefit our youth and their village.

In this library, our older youth (mostly in the 10-15 years age group) have the freedom to explore and expand their knowledge of the world. We have books on general knowledge, fiction books, and educational reference books in both English and Hindi. Youth are able to develop a greater sense of responsibility by acting as library monitors. These youth ensure that books are checked out and returned systematically, and assist in maintaining the overall organization of the library. Our aim for the future is to have internet enabled laptops or desktops in the library, so that our youth do not get left behind in the technological whirlwind racing through societies at an ever-increasing speed. Through learning how to conduct internet research, a whole world of opportunities will open for these youth and their global knowledge and awareness will expand immensely. Youth will gain valuable computer skills and can use the computers to complete their school work or conduct educational research.

For our younger children, the library provides an important opportunity for them to learn how to behave respectfully in such settings. It also provides them with a peaceful place to read story books, with the help of older youth if needed. In one section of the library we aim to have informal English, mathematics and arts classes taught by the older youth.

From time to time we will also conduct life skills development trainings, as well as art and creativity workshops. Some trainings and workshops will be conducted by the local villagers. In this way we are able to strengthen ties in the community and hand down the local know how to the next generation. Other training will be conducted by specialists from other places. When visitors share their knowledge, and thoughts with our village youth, a unique reciprocal relationship is formed. The youth have a rare opportunity to gain insight into the western culture and way of thinking, while foreign visitors will learn about a totally different way of living and being. Everyone learns, everyone smiles, and the world seems like a smaller, friendlier place.